Ashton Jeanty: The Top Running Back Prospect of the 2025 NFL Draft

When it comes to the 2025 NFL Draft, one name stands head and shoulders above the rest among running backs: Ashton Jeanty from Boise State. A dynamic playmaker and a potential game-changer, Jeanty has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. While the NFL draft has seen its fair share of talented rushers over the years, Jeanty’s skillset positions him as a Day 1 star, ready to take the league by storm.

A Rising Star in College Football

Jeanty’s meteoric rise through college football has been nothing short of spectacular. Boise State may not have a storied history of producing Pro Bowl running backs — with Jay Ajayi being the last to make waves in the NFL back in 2016 — but Jeanty is rewriting that narrative. His blend of speed, vision, and versatility has drawn comparisons to elite players like Bijan Robinson, Christian McCaffrey, and Saquon Barkley. Such lofty comparisons are a testament to his talent and potential impact at the professional level.

Draft Day Dilemma: Talent vs. Team Needs

Despite being one of the top players in the 2025 draft class, Jeanty’s path to the NFL may not be as straightforward as his talent suggests. The draft’s depth at the running back position this year could influence how teams prioritize their picks. ESPN Draft Expert Matt Miller highlighted this during the National Championship game, explaining how Jeanty’s stock could be impacted by teams addressing other pressing needs in the first round.

“I LOVE Ashton Jeanty, but you have to think about stacking your picks given the depth at RB this year,” Miller noted. “Jeanty in Round 1 + a Round 2 OT or DE versus Round 1 OT or DE + Judkins, Johnson, or Hampton in Round 2 — team needs will obviously factor in.”

This analysis points to the strategic decisions teams face. For franchises like the Cowboys or Broncos, securing a top-tier offensive lineman or defensive end in Round 1 might hold more appeal than taking a running back, even one as gifted as Jeanty.

Jeanty’s Competition in a Deep Draft Class

The depth of this year’s running back class includes talents such as Arizona State’s Cam Skateboo, North Carolina’s Omario Hampton, and Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson. While none of these players are likely to surpass Jeanty in raw talent, their availability on Day 2 offers teams a chance to maximize their draft capital. Pairing one of these players with a top-tier prospect like Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison could provide a more balanced approach for teams with multiple needs.

A Perfect Fit: The Los Angeles Chargers

One team that could buck this trend is the Los Angeles Chargers. With an established quarterback and a need for a game-changing running back, the Chargers may be willing to invest heavily in securing Jeanty’s services. As Matt Miller observed, “We saw this year what a good RB can do for a team with an established QB.”

If the Chargers decide to part ways with JK Dobbins, who had a strong 2024 season, Jeanty could seamlessly step into the starting role. Head coach Jim Harbaugh, inspired by his brother John’s success with Derrick Henry in Baltimore or Nick Sirianni’s achievements with Saquon Barkley, might push hard for Jeanty. His ability to elevate the Chargers’ offense could make him an irresistible choice for general manager Joe Hortiz.

The Verdict on Ashton Jeanty

Ashton Jeanty is more than just the best running back in the 2025 NFL Draft; he’s a generational talent poised to make an immediate impact in the league. While the depth of this year’s draft class and team needs may complicate his draft position, his undeniable talent ensures he won’t be overlooked for long. Whether he lands with the Chargers or another team willing to prioritize a dynamic offensive weapon, Jeanty’s future in the NFL is bright.

The only question that remains: Who will be lucky enough to call his name on draft night?